Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice Issue 78

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Issue 78
Uttoxeter
& Cheadle
From all students and staff at The Uttoxeter Learning Trust
Happy Christmas
The Uttoxeter Learning Trust is a partnership between Thomas
Alleyne’s, Windsor Park and Picknalls Schools. We are pleased
to announce All Saints (Church Leigh), Hutchinson Memorial,
Oldfields Hall and Ryecroft Schools will be joining us in January.

2 If you are responding to an advertisement in The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice, please let the advertiser know. Thank you for your support.2 If you are responding to an advertisement in The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice, please let the advertiser know. Thank you for your support.
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3Let The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice take your business to 15,000 local homes. To advertise, call 01538 751629 or 07733 466 970.
Publisher and Editor: Nigel Titterton
The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice is published by Community Voice Publications Ltd
Telephone 01538 751629 e-mail uttoxetervoice@hotmail.co.uk
The views expressed in this publication are those of our contributors and are not necessarily those of
the publishers, nor indeed their responsibility. All Rights Reserved.
Copyright Community Voice Publications Ltd.
Designed and Produced by noel@sergeantdesign.com
C
hristmas is fast approaching and now is the
time to get into the festive spirit! My wife and
I made our annual train journey down to
Birmingham for our German Christmas Market
Weekend recently and once again the streets were
packed full of stalls, festive gifts and thousands of
people.
As you can see by my photograph, I decided to try
a giant two pint glass of lager during the evening
which proved to be a challenge I am afraid to admit I lost...
But the rugby and football players down at Oldfields Club would have known I
would fail as they know what a lightweight beer drinker I am...
Around Uttoxeter, Cheadle and our rural villages, festive events have been held
and once again I am proud to say what a fantastic community we live in - we still
have that great British spirit here!
Good luck to all the little ones who are now preparing for the school plays and
concerts. My five grandchildren will all be participating in these events at school and
nursery. When I picked them up from school the other day one of them ran to me at
top speed to unveil his ‘fantastic’ news that he had been selected to be an Ox and
that he had 3 lines to say! Then the other little cherubs arrived with the news they
were to be an alien, a WW2 girl and a play’s narrator!! What wonderful, pure minds
of children - I must admit, I got a little emotional.
As always at this time of year, I urge readers to think about others at
Christmastime. The weather forecasters have already warned us we are due a very
cold December so please check on your neighbours, especially the elderly in our
community. Perhaps you could visit them and take a bottle of whisky or sherry, a
box of chocolates or something special. I guarantee the smiling faces of the recipients
will make your Christmas.
Of course, at this time of year, we also remember the loved ones who are no
longer here with us – perhaps we could stay silent at 12 noon on Christmas Day,
close our eyes and whisper ‘Merry Christmas’ to those who have left us in 2017 and
in previous years.The hurt will never, ever go, but by acknowledging their memories
during Christmas Day, it will make them a very special part of the festivities.
To everyone, everywhere, I wish you all A Merry Christmas and A Happy New
Year. I will speak to you again in the first Voice colour magazine of 2018, out on
February 9th.
Nigel Titterton, Editor & Publisher
Dear Reader,
HOW TO GET IN TOUCH
Inspired Teaching
Inspiring Children
We’re the multi-academy trust that unites most of the Uttoxeter
schools in a sharing, trusting, collaborative partnership. We educate
children across the 2-18 age range and in both community and
church schools. We have places in most schools and we welcome
families new to the area. We’re stronger together!
Our Schools
All Saints CE First (Church Leigh), Hutchinson Memorial CE First,
Picknalls First, Oldfields Hall Middle, Ryecroft CE Middle, Windsor
Park CE Middle and Thomas Alleyne’s High, with more local schools
to join us in the near future.
High Standards, United Vision,
Individual Identities
All of our schools are judged Good or Outstanding by Ofsted. Each
school keeps its individual identity, its own governors and serves its
own community. Plus, we have a common vision and we’re a
registered company and charitable trust with independent trustees
looking after us.
The Benefits of Working Together
• We learn from each other
• We train together, share staff and help each other
• We have the capacity to win funding for joint school improvement
projects
• We share resources and save money by joint purchasing
• We can protect the future of our small schools
Built to Last
And finally, we’re sustainable. Because we’re all serving the local
community, we have the best reason for being together, and because
we’re joined up, your children can move from First School to Middle
School to High School knowing that:
• they’re building on their previous learning
• their new teachers know what they have achieved and what
they’re capable of
• they’re looked after as individuals and cared for and safe
• their future is bright, their progress planned and their ambitions
limitless
Happy Christmas
from everyone in the
Uttoxeter
Learning Trust!
www.uttlt.org
The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice is wholly independent and is published at 3
Spode Close, Cheadle, Staffs ST10 1DT
15,000 copies are distributed free to homes and businesses in Uttoxeter,
Cheadle, Ashbourne, Rocester, Denstone, Bramshall, Stramshall, Alton,
Oakamoor, Tean, Lower Tean, Checkley, Leigh, Church Leigh, Crakemarsh,
Combridge, Kingsley, Mayfield, Draycott, Cresswell, Saverley Green & Fulford,
Doveridge and Abbots Bromley, Sudbury, Kingstone, Marchington, Ellastone,
Froghall, Hollington, Marston Montgomery, Meir Park areas.
Clients are welcome to view the printing matrix.
ADVERTISEMENT SALES AND EDITORIAL
Tel: 01538 751629 or 07733 466 970 Email:
uttoxetervoice@hotmail.co.uk
NEXT ISSUE
The next Voice will be out on February 9th 2018
News Deadline: January 25th 2018
Advertising Deadline: February 2nd 2018
BOOK YOUR ADVERT NOW - Email uttoxetervoice@hotmail.co.uk or
Call 01538 751629
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Book an advert in each of our 9 magazines and receive
top discount prices.
Payment for each advert is separate and not as a whole
payment which is a massive plus for our advertisers.

4 If you are responding to an advertisement in The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice, please let the advertiser know. Thank you for your support.
January Sale
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Great Offers on tiles and suites • Very competitive prices • Open to trade and public
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We can offer supply only on bathrooms, kitchens and tiles (the largest choice available in the area)
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expert advice on goods to suit your needs and requirements using the space available.
We now offer
Tiles by:
Children in Need
P
upils at Oldfields School, Uttoxeter, had a spectacular day fundraising
for Children in Need. The whole school came in non-uniform for the
day in exchange for a £1 donation and some pupils chose to come in
school uniform - many Pudseys were seen around school. Year 8 toured the
school during lunchtime and form time with collection buckets as part of our
challenge to “raise buckets for Pudsey” by collecting loose, forgotten change
from home. Finally we took part in Pudsey’s Round Pound Countdown by
collecting in old £1 coins.

Merry
Christmas
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from all staff at Ashbourne
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and we are here to help with all
your Christmas posting needs.
50 Ashbourne Rd, Cheadle,
Stoke-On-Trent,
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Friends of
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and All Saints Social Committee Invite You To
Checkley Village
Christmas Night
In Church
On Friday 15th December 2017
6.00pm to 9.00pm
Arrival of Santa at his Grotto at 6.30pm
Also: Baked Potatoes, Mulled Wine,
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Carol Singing At 7.15pm
Fairy Lights At Church Entrance and Church Floodlit
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T
wo Uttoxeter women, Kelly
Bradley and Steph Black, are
attempting a coast to coast 84
mile walk in 4 days in memory of
Kelly’s big brother Dan and Steph’s
mum Lesley.
Lesley, after a short neurological
illness, unfortunately passed away
from a brain haemorrhage. This is
why Steph is fundraising for Brain
Research Trust.
Steph commented: “I had no
experience of neurological
conditions until it affected my
family, and my mum is proof it can
happen to anyone. Mum was an
extremely fit person who always
looked after herself so when she
became ill it was devastating. As a
family we struggled to come to terms
with the illness but also had a year
long battle in 2013 with getting mum diagnosed
and looked after by the right department, her
illness didn’t seem to fit in the right box every day
was torture.
“From our experience as a family I feel there is
not enough knowledge, which leads to hardly any
support and care for certain illnesses under the
umbrella of neurological conditions. After all, one
in five of us will develop a neurological condition
and the only way for this to happen is for more
research to be done into these illnesses that is why
I am supporting the Brain Research Trust with the
hope that amazing people like my Mum get the
care they deserve.”
Kelly’s older brother Daniel, unfortunately took
his own life in March 2012.
Kelly said: “I have fundraised in Dan’s memory
since 2013. Not only do I fundraise for these vital
charities and to keep Dan’s memory alive but to
also raise awareness to the fact that it can happen
to anyone from any background at any age.
Suicide is the single biggest killer of men aged
under 45 in the UK.
“When I first lost Dan I thought I’d never be
able to live 5 minutes without him, never mind 5
years, but I’ve learnt to live with the pain and I’ve
tried to turn something so devastating into
something positive by raising awareness, trying to
stop the stigma attached to suicide and make
people aware it’s ok to talk. I want to do
everything I can to prevent any other family going
through what we have gone through.”
On the 29th March 2018 Dan would have been
40 years old, and Kelly would like to complete a
“big challenge” in memory of her
brother who died on 16th March
2012 aged 33.
On the 12th April 2018 Steph will
be 40 years old, to embrace her big
40 she wants to complete a challenge
inspired by and in memory of her
Mum Lesley Rogers, who after a
short neurological illness died on
16th October 2013 aged 66.
Kelly and Steph work together
and are very good friends who have
helped each other through their
devastating, life-changing
experiences. Inspired by Steph’s
Mum’s love of walking they have set
themselves the challenge of walking
84 miles following Hadrians Wall
from the East coast to the West coast
of England, all the way across the
country!!!
The determined duo will start the trek from
Wallsend in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne on the 29th
March which would have been Dan’s 40th
Birthday, each day they hope to walk around 20
miles a day with stops at East Wallhouses, Once
Brewed, Newtown, then three days later finish on
the 1st April at Bowness On Solway.
They are raising money for three charities....
SOBS - Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide
PAPYRUS - Prevention of Young Suicide - In
memory of Dan Bradley
Brain Research Trust - in memory of Lesley
Rogers
You can donate by visiting our virgin money
giving site: www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/
stephandkelly
Extraordinary fundraisers
Kelly and her older brother, Daniel Steph and her mum Lesley

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Wherever your travels take you this festive season, go there in style. Here at
Salon14 we offer some wonderful hair and beauty services to help you look
and feel fabulous from head to toe! So let Santa come early and treat
yourself!
What do you buy for those who have everything? Well we have that
covered for you, with some amazing Christmas gifts on offer, along with gift
vouchers that can be personalised with any amount or treatment, these
make the perfect Christmas gift. If your wanting some luxury stocking fillers
then pop into the salon as we stock a range of top well-known brands
including Redken, Morroccanoil, Leighton Denny, CND Vinylux Polish St
Tropez, Dermalogica & CACI.
We are delighted to tell you that we raised a fantastic £319.02 after we
held our annual cake sale on Friday 20th October. We raised this impressive
amount for Breast Cancer Care, which is a charity that is very close to our
hearts. We would like to thank all of our lovely customers for donating and
buying the yummy cakes, it’s very much appreciated.
As a lot of you may well know, our lovely Stylist Kirstie has been off work
recently. Kirstie is doing well, we wish her a speedy recovery and look
forward to welcoming her back to the salon in the New Year.
Salon14 will be turning 9 on the 1st December and we would like to take
this opportunity to thank our loyal customers for your continued support
over the years. It’s been an amazing 9 years and we enjoy seeing you all each
time you come in.
You can find us at 34 Church Street, Uttoxeter, or contact us for an
appointment on 01889 566334. If you would like to find out more
information about the team check out our website www.salon14.co.uk. Also
check out our special offers and salon updates on our Facebook page
Salon14hairandbeauty.
Kate, Claire and all the girls at Salon 14 would like to wish you all a
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! See you soon!
Salon 14 Hair and Beauty, 34 Church Street, Uttoxeter ST14 8AA • Call 01889 566334

DJC LETTINGS.co.uk
The Perfect Choice for
Landlords and Tenants
Wish all of our customers a
Merry Christmas and
A Very Happy New Year
01538 752232 / 07866 558376
www.djclettings.co.uk
deborah@djclettings.co.uk
CARLTON UPHOLSTERY
RE-UPHOLSTERY & REPAIRS • EST 1979
Three-Piece Suites • Odd Chairs & Sofas
Headboards • Bedroom Furniture • Re-Springing
Replacement Seat • Foam Cushions/Fibre
Repairs to Upholstery
Antique Restoration also Undertaken
For a FREE Estimate call Carlton Upholstery on
01538 756274 or 07976 794811
Carlton Upholstery, 1 Rawle Close, Rectory Fields,
Cheadle, Staffs ST10 1UX
PAUL MORTON LTD
All Makes of Domestic
Appliances Repaired
WASHING MACHINES • DISHWASHERS • COOKERS • OVENS ETC
Full range of NEW Appliances Available
Hotpoint Creda Trained Engineer
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ALL AREAS COVERED - FREE CALL OUT
01889 566353 - 01538 756016
01782 388692 - 07970 541 642
www.paulmortonltd.co.uk
paulmortonlimited@gmail.com
Ki
tchens by Paul Gabri
el
of S t r a m s h a l l
Affordable Kitchens from the
unusual to the straightforward.
Re-vamp your existing kitchen with a choice
of over fifty door designs and a wide choice of
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Or simply paint your existing doors
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Otherwise I can design, supply and fit a
brand new kitchen or supply only.
For free friendly advice call Paul on
01889 562139 or mobile 07990 622125
Visit www.kitchensbypaulgabriel.co.uk
or e-mail paulmgabriel@hotmail.co.uk
O
ldfields Hall Middle
School Year 5
pupils zoomed off
to the National Space
Centre to experience some
Intergalactic Science outside
of the classroom! Everyone
had an awesome day
interacting with all of the
amazing exhibits .The
journey inside the
planetarium was another
highlight as was looking
through all of the goodies in
the shop! Year 5 would like
to say a massive thank you
to Mrs Hordern for
organising such an out of
this world experience!
Blast-
Off!!!

Just the
perfect day...
E
mily & Chris had been together for 9 years
after meeting through mutual friends and
they both could have only dreamt how
perfect their wedding day would be.
They got engaged in January 2015 on a
surprise trip to New York where Chris
proposed on the Bow Bridge in Central Park
just before the snow started to fall.
The wedding planning began straight
away and Chris didn’t know what he had let
himself in for! Emily took him to every
wedding fayre there was to decide on colour
schemes, flowers and centerpieces! The main
priority was booking a venue and it only took
one viewing until they fell in love with The
Boat House at Aston Marina. They didn’t
even consider anywhere else.
Emily’s Bridal party planned an amazing
weekend away in Bath for her Hen Party and
they had a fantastic weekend filled with
cocktails, spa days and dancing the night
away. Chris’s Best Man Josh decided the pub
was the only option! They had a great day
doing some clay pigeon shooting followed by
a night out in Stone.
After all of the planning and an 18-month
long engagement the day finally arrived and
they were both so excited. They kept it
traditional and stayed separately the night
before to add to the suspense.
The morning ran like clockwork, Emily
got ready at home with her Mum, Maid of
Honour and Bridesmaids. The flowers
arrived from Forget me Nots and it gave
everybody a taster of the stunning flowers
that were yet to come throughout the day.
Gorgeous roses in pale pink and cream,
mixed with freesias and gypsophlia. Perfect
flowers for a perfect day.
It was then time to put on the dresses. The
bridesmaids got dressed first and they all
looked absolutely stunning in their Dessy
Pale Grey Dresses, with gorgeous embellished
belts to complete their look. The bridal gown
was an Allure Bridal Gown in a pink
champagne colour with matching
embellishment around the waist.
Emily couldn’t wait to put her dress on
and show the girls and Denise the
photographer captured their reaction
perfectly for this special moment. All outfits
including the men’s were from J&J Designs.
Meanwhile Chris was getting ready with
his parents; best man; pageboys and ushers.
The champagne was flowing along with lots
of nerves. They made sure the best man Josh
had the rings in his pocket, the cars arrived
and it was time for Church. The weather was
amazing, sun shining and not a raincloud in
sight.
They all arrived in vintage Daimlers
provided by Sovereign Wedding Car Hire.
Everyone was patiently waiting in church for
the arrival of the Bride. Emily’s mum
Caroline took her hand and as the organist
began to play they walked down the aisle.
The service was beautiful, conducted by
Reverend Brian Statham and Emily’s Nan
Jenny read a moving reading. Before they
knew it, they were now Husband and Wife!
Bride And Groom: Emily Cartlidge and Christopher Elks,
Baddeley Edge, of Stoke-on-Trent
Bride’s Parents: Caroline Thompson, of Stoke-on-Trent
Groom’s Parents: Phillip & Sue Elks, of Cheadle
Maid of Honour: Rebecca Carr
Bridesmaids: Lauren Baddeley, Rachel Challinor, Olivia
Salmon, Charlotte Montague
Pageboys: Charlie Carr and Joseph Pegg
Best Man: Joshua Wilcox
Ushers: Steven Johnson, Matthew Pegg and Ashley Keeling
Wedding: Milton Parish Church St Philip & St James
Reception: The Boat House Aston Marina
Photographer: Denise Wheat Photography
PHOTOGRAPHY
by Denise Wheat BA (Hons) LBIPP
Tel: 01538 723985
www.denisewheatphoto.co.uk

Everyone then headed to the reception held at
The Boat House, Aston Marina and were greeted
by the Toastmaster, Philip Eardley. The Bride and
Groom, were quickly whisked away for
photographs, whilst the guests were entertained by
the soothing sounds of Pianist Nick Wiley. As the
sun continued to shine, it was soon time for the
wedding breakfast and speeches. Caroline, Chris &
Josh all conducted their speeches amazingly and
there was not a dry eye in the whole room.
The evening continued and more guests joined
in with the celebrations, they danced the night
away with Lewis, a DJ from Six15 events and
special guest, Saxophonist Dax on Sax, they shared
their first dance to a modern remix of Chakka
Chan’s Ain’t Nobody.
Denise captured the whole day perfectly,
alongside Papertwin Wedding Films who made the
whole day look like a Hollywood movie.
The day was perfect and Emily and Chris could
not have done it without all of their amazing family
and friends by their side.
Chris & Emily then jetted off to Las Vegas for
their honeymoon where they stayed at the Bellagio
Resort.
Chris & Emily would like to thank everybody
that made their day so special and memories that
they will treasure forever.

Just the perfectday...

Bramshall Art Group
travel south to Lichfield!
B
ramshall Art Group travelled south to exhibit their ever popular, high
quality art work to the City of Lichfield. Visitors were very
complimentary about the standard of work and the attractive way in
which the exhibition was presented with cloths to cover the tables and flower
posies to add that special touch!
Thanks to the efforts of all our artists the exhibition was set up quickly
and visitors started to arrive on the dot of 10am. Some of our artists even
donned sandwich boards and braved the cold to roam the City Centre handing
out leaflets to encourage people to visit the exhibition. That was a great
success, as we had around 300 visitors between 10am and 4pm and we
managed to sell more than a dozen paintings out of the 120 on display. This
is the third time that our Group have exhibited in the Lichfield Guildhall, so
it has become a regular pre-Christmas event and we are already booked up
for November 17th 2018.
Make a note in your 2018 diary for Bramshall Art Group’s regular Annual
Exhibition in Bramshall Parish Hall, which takes place Saturday 30th June
and Sunday 1st July 2018 – you wouldn’t want to miss it !

Take
advantage
of our
massive
readership
to attract
customers
Telephone
01538 751629
or simply email
uttoxetervoice@
hotmail.co.uk
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ADVERT TODAY
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DISTRIBUTUON
AMASSIVE
15,000
We are hosting a
“Ghost Stories For Christmas”
by the fire at Hettys with
candle light on Thursday 21st
December at 7.30pm.
Tickets will be on sale at Hettys for
£15 each to include a glass of
mulled wine, Staffordshire oatcake
and a mince pie.
Specialising in Teas, Italian Piacetto Coffee
and home baked scones
Welcoming families, ramblers, cyclists,
dog walkers and canal enthusiasts
Froghall Wharf, Foxt Road,
Churnet Valley ST10 2HJ
Tel: 01538 266288
Church Street, Uttoxeter ST14 8AA
Tel 01889 564216
tyreways@uttoxeter.ndo.co.uk
Uttoxeter’s Premier
Tyre Centre
Right service
Right advice
Right choice
Right price
• Tyres
• Exhausts
• Batteries
• Brakes and
Shock Service
• Agricultural Tyres
• Wheel Alignment
Field Funeral Services
Ffs
Dedicated to Dignity & PEACE
our family to yours
t: 01538 722665
Independent Family Funeral Directors
Field Funeral Services |37a High Street | Tean
Stoke on Trent | Staffordshire | ST10 4DY
www.facebook.com/fieldfuneralservices
fieldfuneralservice@hotmail.co.uk
ESTATE AGENCY INSURANCE
Partners: P.A. Cope BSc MRICS FNAEA and A.W. Stevenson
Donald Cope & Company
1, Cheadle Shopping Centre, Cheadle,
Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire ST10 1UY
T: 01538 755646
E: enquire@donaldcope.com
W: www.donaldcope.com
Donald Cope & Company
would like to wish all past,
present and future customers
A Very Mey
Christmas and a
Psperous
New Year
Everyone
lovesTheVoice

For a little pampering
in the comfort of your own home
Gifts Galore
at LG Woodward Ltd
Come and see
our fabulous
Christmas Ranges
Lighting, Costume Jewellery
and an array of unusual gifts.
Exclusive stockists of
Gisela Graham & Powder Designs.
8-10 Balance Street, Uttoxeter
01889 562758
Take advantage of our superb special 2018
block booking advertising deal now!!
Book an advert in each of our 9 magazines and receive
top discount prices.
Payment for each advert is separate and not as a whole
payment which is a massive plus for our advertisers.

T R E E S & L A N D S C A P E S
ALL ASPECTS
OF TREEWORK
UNDERTAKEN
Fully NPTC Qualified
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Reductions
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All aspects of gardening & landscaping also undertaken:
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or 07900 995 139
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EMERGENCY
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ALSO
AVAILABLE
Tean Road, Cheadle, Stoke-On-Trent ST10 1LW
Call 01538 753196
Hungry Horse Master Potter
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Tickets £6
DJ Entertainment

H A N L E Y
A B L E W O R L D
430 Leek Road, Hanley
Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 3HU
Tel: (01782) 205901
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At Joiners Square Roundabout
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CHRISTMAS!
Cheadle Lions Concert a great success
C
headle Lions hosted a superb fundraising concert in
aid of local charitable projects. The award-winning
Lions Brass Band returned to Cheadle Parish Church
to give an enthralled audience a wonderful evening of music.
Lions Spokesman Tony Gadsby said the event was a great
night and the audience was fully entertained.
He went on to thank St Giles Church for hosting the
evening and E&E Furniture Stores of Cheadle High Street for
selling tickets, as well as those who supported the event.

Fantastic Fundraisers
R
ainbows, Brownies and Guides in Uttoxeter
have been busy raising over £1000 for
Macmillan Cancer Support. Some members
filled Smartie tubes with coins, others took part in
one of two local Mile for Macmillan walks. To
complete their mile the girls skipped, bounced,
balanced, space hopped, swam and hula hooped.
As a finale to their fundraising efforts
Girlguiding Uttoxeter held a ‘Dress Up and Dance’
event. Young members put on fancy dress or their
best party clothes and had an enjoyable evening
dancing and playing games at Abbots Bromley
Village Hall. They were also treated to a magic
show from Eddie Young of Phat Magic.
During 2017 Girlguiding Uttoxeter raised a
fantastic total of £1,146.89.
This will be added to a Girlguiding Midlands
project aiming to raise £72,000 for Macmillan – a
pound for each member in the region.
Abi Salter, the Midlands Region Chief
Commissioner and Anita Harris, a Macmillan
Ambassador, came to congratulate and thank the
girls for their incredible fundraising efforts.
Girlguiding in Uttoxeter is thriving, thanks to
the dedication and support of its amazing
volunteers. In Rainbow, Brownie, Guide and
Senior Section groups in the town and surrounding
villages, girls and young women are given a space
where they can be themselves, have fun, build
brilliant friendships, gain valuable life skills and
make a positive difference to their lives and their
communities. The money they have raised for
Macmillan is a testament to this.
Anyone who would like to volunteer for
Girlguiding Uttoxeter can phone Division
Commissioner Mrs Chris James on 01889 500313
or visit www.girlguiding.org.uk for further
information. Girlguiding is the leading charity for
girls and young women in the UK, with over
500,000 members.
We build girls’ confidence and raise their
aspirations. We give them the chance to discover
their full potential and encourage them to be a
powerful force for good. We give them a space to
have fun. We run Rainbows (5–7 years), Brownies
(7–10 years), Guides (10–14 years) and The Senior
Section (14–25 years).
Rainbows and Brownies having fun at Dress Up and Dance.
Adults: Abi Salter (Girlguiding Midlands Region Chief
Commissioner, Chris James (Uttoxeter Division
Commissioner), Maureen Recine (Staffordshire County
Commissioner) and Anita Harris (Macmillan Ambassador).
Members of Girlguiding Uttoxeter present a cheque to Macmillan.

E
xcavator
giant JCB
helped TV
personality Guy
Martin to engineer a tribute to the role tanks
played in helping change the course of the First
World War. The story of the tank’s role and its
modern-day recreation was told in a recent
Channel Four documentary ‘Guy Martin’s WW1
One Tank’.
The truck mechanic and TV presenter came up
with the idea of producing a replica of a 30-tonne
Mark IV tank to mark the centenary of a battle in
which they were first deployed.
And he turned to JCB’s engineers and welders
to help turn his dream into reality in time for the
special anniversary.
They rose to the challenge in double-quick time
with the profile parts cut, rolled and bent into
shape at JCB Heavy Products in Uttoxeter before
being welded together at JCB’s World HQ in
Rocester.
The huge team effort ensured the tank was
operational and on display in Cambrai, Northern
France on Armistice Day on Saturday, November
11th.
It was at this location - exactly 100 years ago -
where the original Mark IV tank helped the Allies
on the Western Front to make an unprecedented
breakthrough at the Battle of Cambrai.
Guy Martin was given just five months to build
an authentic reproduction of the 30-tonne tank
from scratch and was quick to call on JCB’s
engineering expertise. At more than 26 feet long
and 10 feet wide, the 105 horsepower machine had
a top speed of just four mph
Guy said: “When I first looked at this challenge,
I thought ‘This is a big ask. We’re not going to see
this happen.’ It is a massive undertaking and JCB
was the main reason this was able to happen. They
built the main part of the tank, and then the lads
at the Norfolk Tank Museum put all the engine
together. But JCB’s technology and knowhow was
so important.
“As a challenge to build it, I’d say this is the
biggest thing we’ve undertaken. There’s loads of
stuff we’ve done – building push bikes to go at
100mph, converting transit vans to do 150mph,
but this, I think, is the biggest one. It’s not that
we’re restoring them, or modifying them – we’re
building an exact replica of a Mark IV Fosters
Tank, from scratch.
Working from 3D plans drawn up by a
hobbyist modeller, employees at JCB’s World HQ
used computer design technology and cutting-edge
manufacturing techniques to recreate the chassis
of the historic machine in just eight weeks.
The JCB team who delivered the project were
Chief Engineer Martyn Molsom, 46, of Stone;
Design engineer Tom Beamish, aged 26, of Derby;
Welder Chris Shenton, 53, of Leek and welder
Chris Brennan, 46, of Longton, Stoke-on-Trent.
As a part of driver Guy’s crew, all four were
invited to witness the tank they helped to build
take part in a moving re-enactment of the moment
100 years ago that tanks first saw action in
Cambrai. They also took part in poignant
commemorations in Cambrai.
Martyn Molsom said: “The reproduction of a
Mark IV tank from a century ago is a great British
manufacturing story and that’s one of the reasons
we wanted to get involved in the project.
Replicating that innovation in a few weeks was a
massive task, but modern techniques and
equipment made it a lot easier for us than it would
have been back then.
“It was a fascinating project to be involved in,
both from an engineering point of view and from
the historical aspect, and I was delighted we could
make it happen. I don’t think any other company
in the UK would have been able to pull it off in
such a short time-frame, so I’m proud that it
worked out so well.”
The project to produce a replica chassis for the
tank was led by Martyn, who revealed data from
a Computer Aided Design (CAD) model had given
the team a head start.
Martyn added: “A model maker from Germany
had created a near-perfect CAD design of a Mark
IV that was blown up in the Battle of Cambrai and
had been buried there for over 70 years. That gave
us a fantastic historical representation, but we had
to adapt the design so it could be converted from
a model into a real-life machine. The timescale
involved made it a massive challenge, but we
pulled in resources from different parts of the
company and made it work.”
The manufacture of tanks during the early 20th
century would have involved cutting, drilling and
punching steel by hand using giant presses –
requiring hours of manual labour and fair bit of
sweat.
But things have changed dramatically in 100
years and, thanks to computer-controlled
machinery, the team was able to use a 4,000 watt
laser cutter capable of slicing through 15mm of
solid steel to complete a similar process in minutes.
Sections of the hull, including the centre cabin
and two rhomboid side panels, were built
separately and welded together in just 20 days – a
process that would have taken considerably longer
in 1917.
Yet the team was keen to ensure the Mark IV
looked entirely authentic and 3,000 fake rivets -
used to join the original tank together - were
attached to the replica using a robot welder.
Design engineer Tom Beamish said: “The
manufacture of tanks was cutting-edge stuff at the
time but looking back on it now, it barely seems
possible with the equipment workers then would
have had.
“We used modern techniques to rebuild the
machine, but the biggest problem was to make it
look as though it had just come off the factory line
during the war. All of the welding work was done
on the back side of the steel plates, so it wouldn’t
be visible externally, but the specifications are
exactly how they would have been back then. We
even replicated the roller spacing for the tracks of
the tank, so it would sound exactly the same as the
original.”
Guy Martin visited JCB’s World HQ during the
early stages of production and was given a virtual
reality vision of how the finished tank would look
thanks to the company’s state-of-the-art VR
system.
He met company chairman Lord Bamford
before lending a hand in the welding shop where
Chris Shenton said fabrication work took less than
four weeks.
Chris said: “It was down to us to put everything
together and there was a lot of welding work to be
done very quickly. It was a tough task and I don’t
think any other company could have done what
we did. I’ve worked at JCB for 24 years and this is
the biggest project I’ve been involved in, certainly
with the timeframe involved.”
Welding shop colleague Chris Brennan,
described the project as a ‘real team effort’.
He said: “The project was a huge challenge, but
we had a small team working on it throughout and
the process came together very quickly in the end.
Only four of us were involved from start to finish,
but there were other people who gave us support
and it was good to be a part of it.”
The completed chassis was transported to
Norfolk tank museum, near Norwich, where the
remainder of the project took place.
Two ‘sponsons’ – projections extending from
the side of the machine – along with a roof section
and other parts, also manufactured at JCB, were
lifted into place before a restored six-cylinder Rolls
Royce engine, tractor gearbox, tractor axles and
excavator tracks were fitted.
Guy’s original plan was to drive the tank in a
Remembrance Day parade through the centre of
his home-town Lincoln, where many of the Mark
IVs were originally built.
But when permission was refused, he came up
with the idea of taking the machine to France to
re-live the moment its distant ancestors rumbled
into battle.
The two-hour Channel Four programme,
which follows the entire rebuilding process, also
looks at the impact made by tanks during World
War One. Guy learns what life is like in a modern
tank and, thanks to recordings made before they
died, hears from men and women who crewed the
ground-breaking British invention.
The replica tank itself will return to the UK and
will remain at the Norfolk Museum.
There it will form the centrepiece of an
impressive World War One display and act as a
lasting tribute to the brave crews who lost their
lives in the conflict.
JCB team helps engineer WW1
tank centenary tribute

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My Monthly Musings
by Cecily Cowans of Cheadle
A
s I write, the season of Advent is about
to begin and Christmas is fast
approaching. Depending on your
religious beliefs, you and your loved ones will
be preparing for the arrival of Father
Christmas or the Infant Jesus. Or both. Or
neither. The Royal Family is preparing for the
arrival of the next Prince or Princess. Unlike
in previous times, a baby brother will not
usurp Princess Charlotte as the law relating
to the line of succession was changed in 2013.
In my own family we have just welcomed
a baby boy who would have been my parents’
14th great grandchild. We nearly have our
very own mixed Rugby team! Based on
Wales’ recent record, this next generation
may be more successful!
However you celebrate, I wish you all a
very Happy Christmas and a happy and
healthy New Year.
Down on the Farm
by Angela Sargent
“If there are birds they must be waiting below
The threshold of the winds, and the rooks have
gone
With the darkness of leaves unveiling the light.”
Kathleen Nott
W
hen it’s snowy or icy, the yards can get
treacherous to walk on,especially in
wellies and especially if there’s been a
partial thaw and refreeze!
Although everywhere looks clean and pristine
when covered in a blanket of snow, it soon gets
discoloured and if the tractor diesel freezes too, it
makes life very difficult.
Water pipes- often in the open- freeze and
troughs need thawing, to make sure every animal
can access enough water for drinking.
Out in the fields, the main problem is not
always knowing if a pipe has burst (or where) until
you notice a boggy bit.
Sheep can survive by eating snow but cattle
need a huge amount- dairy cattle consume 100kg
of grass/fodder daily and drink approximately
60litres of water, giving us 30litres of milk daily in
return.
Over the last few years, we have planted quite
a bit of Holly as we’ve replanted and gapped up
hedges.
Holly can grow in slightly drier conditions and
so we have put some where they are close to
mature tree canopies, but they are comparatively
slow growing and take longer to fill up the hedge.
Older bushes should be bearing the bright red
berries, carried by the female, and the birds are
attracted to the colour and help to spread the seed
far and wide.
The leaves can be carried on the tree for up to
4 or 5 years before falling.
As there are fewer daylight hours, we are more
often aware of the Owls as they call to each other
and we see more nocturnal animals, such as Stoats,
hunting prey.
Owls leave their regurgitated pellets on gate
posts or wherever they like to sit and if we pull
them apart we can see what they’ve been eating-
small bones and feathers and beetle remains.
Ted is now three and is a good working sheep
dog, often better working away from home.
When in work mode, he is very single minded
and cannot often be distracted and he has grown
into a large sleek dog, even though he has had a
couple of rough times since he was a puppy.
Although he likes to spend part of his evening
inside with us, he soon decides enough is enough
and asks to be let out to curl up in his kennel or in
a cosy spot in the sheep shed when it’s lambing
time.
Our calves have been weaned and we have a
couple of noisy nights as they get used to missing
their milk.
This winter we may get rid of Dallas, our
limousine bull, as he is nine now and we have too
many of his daughters in the herd, but that has yet
to be decided!
Everyone
lovesTheVoice
Ozzie, our fabulous Christmas Pony, is pictured outside his owner’s salon at Ruby Ysabelle
Hair at Denstone Hall.

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We wish all our customers a
Merry Christmas
and Prosperous New Year
L
ocal Choir, The Heath Chorus delivered an award winning performance
at the North Wales Choral Festival, held at Venue Cymru in Llandudno
on Sunday 5th November. The all female choir were placed second in
their section, just one point behind the winning choir from Ireland and were
presented with the judges award for Most Entertaining Choir.
The International North Wales Choral Festival is this year celebrating its
30th Anniversary and the choir of 44 singers and MD Helen Clayton faced
stiff competition in their section with a total of ten choirs from across the UK
all hoping to win the judges favour.
The all female choir, based in Uttoxeter is a non-auditioned choir with no
entry requirement and currently has over fifty members.
Singing to a packed arena which included the other choirs, the Heath
Chorus performed three contrasting songs in their ten minute programme and
were thrilled to take the second place prize.
Chorus MD Helen Clayton praised the choir for their hard work and
dedication, saying: “The girls have put so much into this performance and I
am enormously proud of them. It was, as always, a privilege to stand in front
of them”
Uttoxeter Choir achieve
second place finish in
international competition
Just one point separates top 2 choirs at North Wales Choral Festival

Cheadle
Swimming Baths
“The Godwin Family came to Cheadle in 1954. My parents
bought Frank Greenwood’s Newsagency opposite The Royal Oak
in the High Street.
My father, Percy Godwin, was an ex-soldier in the 2nd Battalion
of The Scottish Borderers, and he was Secretary of the Norton
Branch of the British Legion. He was immediately attracted to join
the Cheadle Branch of the British Legion based at the headquarters
in Bank Street.
This club had nurtured numerous events for the benefit of the
very generous and kind-hearted people of Cheadle including
Cheadle Festival in 1975 which in turn celebrated the Queen’s
Silver Jubilee in 1977 with a most fantastic parade and week-long
event ever seen in the area.
No doubt many readers will recall many more events and family
gatherings at the Ex-Service Centre in Bank Street.
For me, I wish now to celebrate Cheadle Swimming Baths 50th
Anniversary, as the plan to build this facility was hatched in the
rooms of this club.
From Easter 1957 Chairman Tom Willis, Secretary Percy
Godwin along with all the people in the photograph above came
together to attempt to build a swimming baths for Cheadle - I'm
sure you will know someone in this photo which was the 1st
Annual Dinner held at the Royal Oak in Cheadle High Street, run
at that time by Alf and Betty Chandler.
From June 1957 until the early 1980’s this stalwart group of
people with the help of the community of Cheadle and the
surrounding villages ran a football sweep, which was initially aimed
at raising money to build a swimming baths in the town.
Throughout the next 23 years, despite a lack of interest from
the Cheadle Rural District Council, the people of Cheadle and
district raised over £70,000 and built the baths.
The opening ceremony took place on September 2nd 1967 with
the first sod for the laying of the foundation stone cut by 80 year
old Elsie Finney of Charles Street, Cheadle.
How proud we all were on that day....
I would like to thank all of you for your sterling effort and 50
years on the swimming baths is still going strong. It shows what a
strong community can achieve under the right leadership...
Eric Godwin, Cheadle
C
ommunity spirit of a huge magnitude resulted in the
opening of a brand new swimming baths in Cheadle 50
years ago.
The dogged grit and determination of a small band of townspeople against all the odds
saw £70,000 raised to build the swimming baths, which this year celebrates its Golden
Anniversary – providing wonderful enjoyment to thousands and thousands of families,
men, women and children throughout 50 years.
For many living in the town at the moment, they will be completely unaware of how
Cheadle Swimming Baths was built, but it is a heart-warming, feelgood story of a
community coming together to unite as one in their quest to give Cheadle a sports
amenity which was so badly needed way back in the 1960’s.
Cheadle resident and one of the town’s great characters Eric Godwin tells us his own
recollections of the rise of Cheadle Swimming Baths and in this special Voice feature, we
also recall exactly how it all unfolded step by step over 50 years ago...

How we came together
to build it...
The decision to go ahead with a swimming baths project is not
made without very careful consideration and planning, but in the
case of Cheadle, the local residents finally decided that too much
talk and too much time had been wasted.
And so, some thirty years after the idea of building town baths
had first been put forward, they took matters into their own hands
and went ahead with a private venture unequalled in local history.
Critics said the scheme was too costly and too great for a group
of laymen to carry out, the local authorities washed their hands of
the project, and rapidly rising costs daunted the keenest supporters!
But for ten years a small committee kept faith with the promises
they had made to the public, a public which was often more ready
to criticise than praise, and in the summer of 1967 the dream of
the 1930’s finally came true.
After the initial talks about the baths for the town had failed to
arouse local enthusiasm, the war years and long periods of
restrictions kept the matter in the background, and it was not until
August 1957 that a group of friends decided to discuss the plans
with local residents.
To their surprise nearly 600 residents from the town and rural
area packed into Cheadle Guild Hall to hear about their plans, and
when a committee was formed to go into more detail members
were welcomed from most community organisations.
But the following month Cheadle Rural District Council refused
to be swayed by public opinion, and a rise in the Bank Rate
squashed any hopes of a private loan from the Ministry of Health.
The swimming baths project could have ended there and then, but
the new committee was made of stern stuff, and in January 1958
an official Supporters Club was formed and plans laid for a
fundraising scheme – a football sweep!
The first encouragement came in August, when the County
Council heard that the first £500 had been raised, and they decided
to defer their own scheme for local school ‘training baths’ to see
what the town effort produced.
But the Rural Council stood aloof, and although the huge
conference held in their own chambers heard enthusiastic speeches
about the project in May 1960, they decided for a second time to
say ‘no.’
The fundraising Supporters Club offered to raise £30,000 if the
Council would take over the scheme, but again, in September of
the same year, the vote went against them.
With their fundraising Sweep by then bringing in a record £170
per week, the Supporters Club and their committee pressed on.
They reached their original target of £30,000 by the end of 1962,
but by then the estimated cost had risen to £70,000!!
It was a bitter sweet moment for the committee and their hard-
working collectors, and this was the time that the Rural Council
refused a last ditch appeal for help.
For the first time in five years the committee finally realised that
they were on their own, and possibly for the first time the enormity
of their task they had set themselves.
There was no glamour in the following five years period, only
hard work and frequent planning of detail, but they refused to give
up.
The finalised plans and designs were made at the beginning of
1966, work started and the new Swimming Baths in Cheadle were
officially opened to the publc on September 2nd 1967.
The opening ceremony was performed by the Director of
Education for Staffordshire, Mr J. H. P. Oxspring, M.S.c. The
architects were Mr J. Lovatt, of Wood, Goldstraw & Yorath, Stoke-
on-Trent. The first Baths Manager was John Dilger and assistance
with the project was given by Jim Salt, M.Inst.B.M.
Cheadle Swimming Baths celebrates its Golden 50th
Anniversary this year and it is as popular now as it was five decades
ago – what a wonderful tribute to those involved in its birth – true
community spirit which reflects British people for what they are,
unique and caring with a never-say-die attitude...
Cheadle Swimming Baths

A complete professional service
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Telephone 01782 827313
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It’s that time
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We specialise in all types of
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everyday wear to evening wear and
wedding dresses.
Curtains and Suite Covers
Domestic and commercial laundry
Ironing service also available
Repairs and Alterations
We Wish All Our Customers
A Merry Christmas and
A Happy New Year
24 High Street, Cheadle,
Staffordshire ST10 1AF
Tel 01538 751413
Xtraclean is part of the Porters Group and
has no connection with Cheadle Dry Cleaners
XTRACLEAN DRY CLEANERS
Specialist Dry Cleaners and Launderers
New Group &
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Uttoxeter
Renew Church
Monday 7.30pm
Steph 07751 116918
Cheadle
Cheadle Academy
Tuesday 7.00pm
Gail 07855 549698
Cheddleton
Community Centre
Tuesday 5.00pm & 7.00pm
Cheadle
Guild Hall
Wednesday 5.30pm & 7.30pm
Thursday 9.30am
Pam 07983 938240
Tean
Greatwood Hall
Wednesday 5.00pm & 7.00pm
Rocester
Rocester Football Club
Thursday 5.00pm & 7.00pm
Gillian 07928 556552
Merry Christmas and a
Healthy New Year
from your local
Slimming World Groups

Lank’s Lore
By Steve ‘Lank’Lavin
Golden Memories from one of Uttoxeter’s Favourite Characters
Y
ou work your socks
off all year round and
look forward to your
annual holiday so that you
can have a nice break from
the trials and tribulations of
the daily grind and spend a
few weeks with your friends
and family chilling out to
recharge your batteries.
For a lot of people their
choice of an annual break is
to travel abroad to sunnier
climates rather than spend it
at home where the English
weather cannot be relied on,
although if you want to chill
out England is certainly the
place to be with it’s
unreliable temperatures
(excuse the pun)!
I used to travel abroad
every year for my annual
holidays but I am afraid now
the attraction is wearing very
thin, what a caper it has now
become.
When I started going
abroad in the 1960’s the
package holiday was a real
attraction. With it’s all in
prices with no hidden extras,
carefree flights, top class hotels with excellent food,
facilities and service along with virtually
guaranteed weather coupled with prices that the
English resorts could not touch for getting your
monies worth.
Don’t get me wrong many package holidays
abroad today still offer great luxurious
accommodation in some outstanding resorts and
the price is extremely competitive compared to the
English equivalent, but it has over the years
become a right ritual to book and finally get there
especially if you fly.
Every aspect of this routine has now been
broken down to become a real ritual unlike when
the package holiday concept was introduced it was
part and parcel of your package without the
aggravation it causes now.
You are firstly asked for the date, time and
airport that you wish to travel from, which is fair
enough. Then the ritual starts. Would you like to
sit alongside your wife, child, friend etc. Yes, than
that is extra bucks. My mate wound them up when
he was asked if he wanted to pay more and sit with
his wife replied,“are you kidding, I would certainly
pay you extra if that,was the case, to sit a few rows
back and get a few hours peace and quiet, but to
pay you to sit alongside her you must be kidding”.
You are then asked if you require extra leg
room in your seat, again at extra expense. The
trouble is that if you are over 5ft tall because of the
limited room between the rows owing to the
airlines cramming in as many seats as humanly
possible to make more dosh, you feel at the end of
your flight that you have spent it in a sardine can.
Then it comes to the catering. “Would you like
an in-flight meal sir” if so, more cash out of your
pocket goes adrift. I personally don’t condone
anyone for paying for a hot meal especially on the
longer haul flights but what I do condone is the
airline companies serving up a load of inedible
food at great expense to what is to them a captive
audience.
The next part of the ritual in booking is your
luggage allowance. You are generally allowed to
me in most cases enough to see you through your
holidays. I take the bare minimum anyway as I do
not like mauling a heavy case about taking with
me clothes that I am not going to wear anyway. But
if you are a snazzie dresser and need a change of
clothes for every occasion then you will have to
pay dearly for it. I suppose though it can be a little
bit unfair for the female traveller who cannot
travel without her hair rollers, a variety of beauty
enhancing products and other essential items,
handbags, etc. filling the case before she has got
her clothes in it.
Next comes “would you like transport from the
airport to the hotel sir?”. Again in some cases extra
expense. I am tempted sometimes to reply
sarcastically, “No thank you, it is going to be dry
and sunny when I get there so I think I will drag
my suitcase all of the 30 or so miles, I need the
excercise anyway”.
The mind boggles!!
Anyway the ritual of booking your holiday is
now completed but you are not finished with the
aggravation yet.
The day has come to start our holiday so off to
the airport we go. If you take your car and leave it
there until your return, more expense is incurred
that is as long as the computerised barrier hasn’t
broken down to allow you to park your vehicle up
in the first case.
Next the best is yet to come. You get inside the
terminal and your first stop is to get through the
Customs. That has nowadays become a right caper.
Queues a mile long with passengers in various
stages of undress being searched and frisked for
any signs of explosive or bomb making devises or
drugs also having their liquids and numerous other
items confiscated just in case they present a threat
to your safety on board and then the dreaded metal
detector. (If you have undertaken a hip or knee
replacement you are in for some fun). These
necessary precautions of course are all down to
some of our terrorist friends in the world no doubt.
But with all the troubles going on in today’s times
it cannot be a bad idea as much although it is very
tiresome.
You get off the plane at your holiday destination
tired and weary to find
yourself in yet another queue
a mile long again at the
Customs Department. This
until recently was never a
problem but to clear it
nowadays it has now become
a real headache. A friend of
mine recently flew to Malaga
in Spain in less than 3 hours
and it took him nearly 4.5
hours to clear customs.
Disgraceful. Apparently this
is put down to EU Directives
who are punishing us
because of BREXIT.
I am not going to go into
the politics of the situation at
this time but I feel the British
holiday maker is now at his
tether and like me will find
other ways of spending his
holidays without the
aggravation.
I could go on forever with
the mention of possible flight
delays and cancellations etc.
but I won’t.
We have had a lovely
holiday and now we are on
our way back to home sweet
home.
Back to reality.
Again we land back home and yet again we are
faced with long delays at passing through Customs,
it took my wife and I over 2 hours to get through
last year on a flight from Spain to East Midlands
airport, the pre-booked taxi driver we had hired to
take us home was tearing his hair out and must
have rung me 10 times to see where we were as he
had another fare booked after us. The reason for
all these delays is staff cut backs and the
introduction of a new computerised system which
allows you to scan your own passports, the trouble
is that nobody hardly knows how to use them
correctly which means that the majority of the staff
that used to check them and pass you through at
the booths are now away from them helping
people to use the new machines causing even
longer delays, give me strength.
I can see now why more and more people are
booking luxury river and sea cruises which in the
past was very expensive but now are very, very
competitive and good value without any flying
involved, or taken their holidays at home and
taking the risks with the British climate. If we are
honest with ourselves apart from the guaranteed
sun, holidays abroad are not the same value as they
were years ago especially nowadays since this
BREXIT fiasco and the value of the Euro being
virtually on par with the £.
We shall have to wait and see what happens in
the future.
Till next time, all the best on your travels.
Lank
NEWSFLASH
Since writing this column I have just heard off
a friend of mine that he flew back from Spain this
last week to Manchester at a peak time and had
no waiting time at all at the customs. Good
gracious I replied that is great news for the
holidaymaker they are at last getting their act in
order. Not quite he said you have to be ‘Fast
Tracked’ through it and pay a fee. That’s about
right I said, the powers that be have never made
enough have they.
A typical sight nowadays, delays at the airports customs

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Denstone WI
On a dark November evening,
Denstone WI members gathered
in the village hall to hear news of
events past and future at a busy
meeting, presided over by Mary
Spencer who warmly welcomed
members and new visitors. A
detailed report of the
Staffordshire Federation Autumn
Council meeting was read by
Nancy Turner, who marvelled at
the enthusiasm of the first speaker
in the morning, Joanne Croxford,
and the dedication of Sally Becker,
the afternoon speaker, who has
worked in worn torn countries
over the last twenty five years and
who had harrowing and
emotional tales to tell.
Since the October meeting,
members have had the
opportunity to lunch together as
part of the annual Denstone WI
birthday celebrations, visit the
Wedgewood Experience, make
and sell poppies, raising £173 for
The British Legion, and go
trampolining in Stafford. The
experiences and opportunities
continue, with an upcoming film
night at a member’s house later
this month and a shopping trip to
Cheshire Oaks at the end of
November. There is always an
opportunity to try new activities
as part of the games group and
the regular craft group is busy
now working on props and
costumes for the Denstone
Pantomime in February.
As part of the National
Federation of WIs, Denstone
members will be looking at the
shortlist of five resolutions for the
2017/2018 resolutions process
over the forthcoming months.
Information on all the five issues
is available online and in WILife
magazine. Short presentations
will be given at the January
meeting and members will then
cast their individual vote.
A previous NFWI campaign
looked at food waste. As part of
this the WI produced postcards
for members to send to
supermarkets asking them to
clarify their stance on food waste.
This is an example of how the WI
campaigns can raise awareness
and how as a large body, WIs can
make an individual voice heard.
As the Christmas season
approaches members were invited
to festive and social activities,
with Staffordshire Federation at
Lichfield Cathedral on 4th
December for a carol service and
at Stubwood Chapel on the 7th
December with Wootton and
Alton WIs for our own service
with readings, carols and mince
pies.
After the business meeting,
Wendy Forrester introduced the
speaker for the evening, Andrea
Davies, a young local florist, who
gave a wonderful and extremely
competent demonstration of her
skills in arranging a hand held
Christmas bouquet. Andrea
managed single handed to
assemble, cut, tie and wrap a
water filled arrangement,
displaying dexterity which, as she
said, comes with years of practice.
At the end of the demonstration
Andrea agreed for the displays to
be raffled for WI funds and
Nancy Turner was delighted with
winning the table decoration and
Dot Sneyd, the hand held
bouquet. Members had a chance
to show their floristry skills in the
competition and this was won by
Rose Nandi with her small
seasonal arrangement.

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Glitz
Dancewear
& Fancydress
Call into our shop for fabulous
Christmas Disney costumes!
Everything you
need for
Christmas New Year
Fancy Dress or the school play
Now in Stock:
Masquerade Ball Masks
Superhero & Disney Princess Costumes
We stock all styles of dancewear, shoes, bags
etc for the experienced dancer or the
complete beginner.
Large selection of Adult & Childrens Fancydress
(to hire or buy) Wigs & Accessories for that
special party or school production.
28 Bank Street, Cheadle ST10 1NT
(Within Vivienne Shelley’s Dance Studios)
01538 754414
www.glitz-fancydress.co.uk
Email: sales@glitz-fancydress.co.uk
The Vivienne Shelley
Dance Studios
Would like to wish everyone A Merry
Christmas and A Happy NewYear
Whatever their age give the gift
of Dance this Christmas!
Classes from Beginner to Advanced
Saturday Dance Classes in St Mary’s
Church Hall, Balance Street, Uttoxeter
Ballet &Tap Pre-School 9.30am
Ballet &Tap Prep/Primary 10.15am -
Freestyle Disco/Street 12.15pm
28 Bank Street, Cheadle
Thursday Beginners Ballet &Tap 4pm
Freestyle 5pm
Tuesday: Street Dance 4pm
Beginners/Juniors 4.45 Pre-Teens
New Pupils are welcome to
join our classes at any time
All classes work towards
competitions and exams.
For more information phone
01538 754414 or 07779 078317
email info@vivienneshelleystudios.co.uk
or call into the studios
in Uttoxeter or Cheadle
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allotment site.
Councillor Banks is
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Cheadle Allotment
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We wish all our
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From everyone
at The Voice

A
New weekly
Watercolour Class
for Beginners is to
be held locally at
Checkley Community
Centre on Uttoxeter Rd
in Checkley and starts
onTuesday January 9th
2018.
The class is being
tutored by local
International Award
winning Artist Ann
Stringer-Paget who is a
member of the Royal
Society of Arts and also
the Birmingham
Watercolour Society. Ann
has exhibited regularly
around the country and
was at the ‘Patchings Art
Festival’ in Calverton,
Nottingham this July
where she was
demonstrating and giving advice and help to
‘budding artists’ visiting the show. Ann has also
exhibited in the Parallax Art Fair Chelsea and
The Windsor Contemporary Art Fair in recent
years as well as the NEC’s Art Materials Live
annual Exhibition.
More recently, Ann was invited to exhibit her
work in America and as a result has won the
American Art Awards in 2014, 2015, 2016 and
2017 together with many of
her paintings also being
placed in the top six. All
works exhibited were
judged by 25 high end
galleries especially chosen
from across the USA.
Ann herself paints in
different styles and in all
mediums and her artwork
can be viewed online by
visiting the website at
www.annstringerpaget.com
Ann’s work has sold in
countries around the world
including France, Germany, USA,
Scandinavia, South Africa, as well
as at home here in the UK.
She has been painting and
teaching for over 30yrs and is a
very committed and patient tutor
who sympathises with the needs of
the beginner.
Time allowing Ann can
sometimes be found teaching Watercolour on-
board the P&O Cruise Ships in the
mediterranean and elsewhere which is very much
appreciated by many ‘budding artist’ passengers!
Ann was invited to set up the Watercolour
class at Checkley Community Centre for people
who want to learn the art of Watercolour
painting in a structured but informal way but
also for those who have perhaps been a little
afraid to try this wonderful medium in the past.
The classes are taught using traditional
methods and techniques which enables even the
most nervous beginner to feel comfortable and at
ease very quickly.
Ann commented “it is very rewarding to see a
complete beginner develop and gain confidence
to produce work of which they are proud. The
secret of my success is the way the classes are
taught and this brings out the very best in my
students”.
The 10 week course takes place each Tuesday
afternoon starting on Tuesday 9th January 2018,
2pm-4pm, at Checkley Community Centre,
Uttoxeter Rd, Checkley ST10 4NB.
For more information or to enrol on the
course Ann can be contacted on 07816 118776
anytime. Admission is by registration only.
Watercolour for Beginners at
Checkley Community Centre
I
was born in Great Stukeley in the county of
Huntingdonshire on Valentine’s Day 1935,
luckily I didn’t receive my birthdays name,
mum and dad settled for Richard, phew!!
I left school at 15 without gaining any acedemc
if qualifications and started my working life as an
engine cleaner however this was a unique
experience because I was part of a small team
responsible for cleaning a B2 Pacific no. 1671
named Royal Sovereign-The Kings Train, this was
meticulously cleaned with tallow on a daily basis.
When old enough I joined Hunenjoyingts
police as a cadet learning the tricks of the trade
until being called up for National Service where I
served in The Royal Military Police.
After demob I returned to my original police
force which I loved but the path of true love
doesn’t always run smoothly and I met a top hair
stylist from West Bromwich, fell in love, married
58 years ago, she persuaded me to move to
Birmingham City Police and I hated it- I didn’t like
sticking brown paper onto car tyres by day and
shaking hands with doorknobs by night so after
putting up with it for 8 years I was offered a job
as a supervisor/detective with Lewis’s store
Birmingham which I took and was never forgiven
by Margaret my wife because she married a
copper. I stayed for a number of years and then
joined the prison service where I remained for the
next 30 years serving at both high and Low
security prisons with adult and young offenders. I
was also a Tutor at the prison service training
college, present a 2 Gartree riots and helped to
convert a Vietnamese boat camp into a fully
operative prison in 6 days. Upon retirement I was
in charge of Foston Hall Prison in Derbyshire.
Retirement arrived and my dear wife enquired
as to what I was going to do to
keep out of her hair, I replied
“I’ll write a book” hence the
start of my writing career. It
took 10 years for my first book
to be published, my wife entitled
it Keyman and to date it has sold
over 2000 copies and is priced at
£8. Recently I have written a
sequel to this entitled Tales of
the Jails, more stories of selected
unusual incidents I and others
may have encountered, this
priced of £7.
Margaret and I were
enjoying our retirement when
she was taken from me and
delivered into gods hands.
I was desperate and had also
recently lost our rescued lurcher
dog, so I sat down wrote a
tribute to my dog, this has
turned into an 8 book series
which relate to the adventures to
a team of dogs, if you like a
crash team, who originally lived
on earth in reality. They have
have 2 extra abilities to other
dogs, they are able to fly and also make themselves
invisible, mainly they travel to earth sorting out
doggy problems such as bullying, losing the way,
injuries, fire floods and deal with criminals. The
books are aimed at 4-11 year olds serving to
remind children as the vast number of uses dogs
can be put to and will perform. The books are
priced at £4.99 plus a penny for my signature.
Besides this I am a public speaker giving talks
on 7 different subjects for which I charge £35 plus
travel.
All proceeds from all these activities go to
Rainbows Children’s Hospice currently amounting
to £17,000.00, hoping to raise this £20,000.00
before I expire!! If anyone is interested I will ensure
you receive books in time for Christmas.
Thanks for taking time to read this and I can
be contacted on 01283 701257.
A few tales from Richard Papworth

Remembrance Day - Uttoxeter, Cheadle & Kingsley

Cheadle Remembrance Concert
A
Concert of Remembrance marked the
100th Anniversary of the Battle of
Passchendaele at Cheadle Academy’s
community theatre.
Cheadle Discovery Group held the concert on
Remembrance Weekend with the event turning out
to be an emotional evening.
Spokesman Alan Wigley said the 100th
anniversary of the Battle of Passchendaele was an
historic occasion. “The first offensive was
launched on July 18th 1917 and went on until
November 6th. Near the end of July the rain set in
and the next 3 months were the wettest for more
than 30 years. The Conditions were
unmanageable, knee deep - and sometimes waist
deep in mud.....
“Men lost their lives not through enemy fire,
but by falling into the mud and getting trampled
on. 325,000 allied troops lost their lives, of which
an estimated 150,000 were British. Around
260,000 German soldiers also died. This concert
was to remember all men and women who have
lost their lives in all wars.”
Florence Brass Band and The Fulford
Community Choir performed at the well-attended
concert.
Thanks go to Donald Cope & Company of
Cheadle and Cheadle Discovery Centre for selling
tickets.

Cheadle Swimmers Annual
Presentation Evening
O
n Friday 10th November
Cheadle swimmers headed to
Checkley Community Centre
for the Cheadle & District ASC
Annual Presentation Evening.
Family & friends were present to
watch the youngsters collectover 400
medals, trophies & awards after
taking part in theAnnual Club
Championships back in September.
The award for top Senior Boy
went to Charlie Stokes, Junior Boy;
Daniel Hopkinson, Senior Girl;
Harriet Bebbington, Junior Girl;
Rebecca Haynes.
Coaches Awards were handed to
Brogan Milward, Ezra Sales, Finn
Briggs-Pritchard, Ethan Walker,
Harriet Bebbington & Charlie Stokes.
Head Coach, Andy Stone, said he
was “ delighted by the surge in
numbers attending the presenation
evening” & is “ looking forward to
coaching the young swimmers as they move forward in their training, joining
the more experienced competitive swimmers in the club.”
He also stated how proud he was to see the reinstatement of a male &
female Club Captain, awarded to Charlie Stokes & Harriet Bebbington. The
two swimmers train up to 7 times a week & have represented the club at
County & Regional Level.
After the formal presentation, guests enjoyed a pie & pea supper followed
by a disco.
The Cheadle ASC committee would like to say an extra special thankyou
to local businesses for providing prizes that were raffled on the night . Thanks
go to: Alton Towers, The Huntsman, Cheadle Lesiure Centre, Mughal,
Thornbury Hall, The Master Potter, The Ski Centre – Festival Park, Leek
United & Mandy Louise Hairdressing. The raffle raised £292 for much needed
club funds.
Club captains Harriet Bebbington
and Charlie Stokes
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Cheadle Flower Club
Christmas Demonstration by Mark Entwhistle
Chairman, Sheila Jones; invited guests -Deputy Mayor, Cllr Stephen Ellis;
Mayor and Mayoress, Philip & Jeanette Routledge with Mark Entwistle,
Demonstrator (runner up - Designer of the year competition at the NAFAS
National Show in Blackpool) and special guest Kevin Gunnell NAFAS
Mercia & North Wales Area Chairman.
Everyone
lovesTheVoice
T
he Inner Wheel Club of Uttoxeter arranged a "Strictly Christmas"
demonstration of flower arranging recently at Bramshall Village Hall.
Acclaimed NAFAS demonstrator, Lorraine Simcox produced the most
exquisite floral arrangements, whilst entertaining the audience with her
interesting and amusing stories, set to music.
A lively interval with Christmas punch and canapés served, made the
evening a very sociable and successful event. The raffle prizes were all the
beautiful arrangements created by Lorraine.
A vote of thanks was given to her by Pat Wrathman. President Sue Davies
was delighted that the evening had been such a joyous occasion and thanked
our guests for their support. Funds raised will go Sue's chosen charities, Young
Carers and Y.E.S.S. (Youth emotional support services) and other charities.
Inner Wheel
Club of Uttoxeter

Panettone Christmas Pudding
Cake
E
very Christmas I make at least three
cakes. My traditional christmas
cake, an alternative sponge layer
cake, and my Panettone Christmas
Pudding Cake. I always buy a large
Panettone and use the left overs for a
lighter version of christmas pudding and
a Panettone version of bread and butter
pudding. I have a large family and spend
a great deal of Christmas cooking, so this
cake is fantastic as no cooking is required!
You will need -
1 Panettone Cake
6 tbsp Brandy
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 large free range eggs
75g caster sugar
500g mascarpone
250 ml double cream
125 ml Marsala
75g glaces cherries
125g dark chocolate chips
100g pistachios, chopped
2 tbsp pomegranate seeds
To begin with you will need a 23cm
springform cake tin. Cut your panettone,
about 625g, into 1 cm slices. Use about a
third of these to line the bottom of your
tin, tearing off pieces to fit and making
sure there are no gaps. Mix your brandy
with the vanilla essence and drizzle 2 tbsp
over the panettone layer.
Next you will need to make the filling.
Whisk together the eggs and sugar until
pale and frothy. Gently whisk in the
mascarpone and double cream, then
gradually whisk in the Marsala. Keep
whisking until the mixture is thick.
Remove 250 ml, cover and put in the
fridge - this is for the topping and is not
needed until the cake is served.
Into the remainder of the cream
mixture, add the glace cherries, 100g of
chocolate chips and 75g of the chopped
pistachios and fold in. Use half of the
cream to cover the panettone layer in your
cake tin. Use another third of the
panettone slices to cover the cream, once
again making sure there are no gaps.
Drizzle over another 2 tbsp of your
brandy and vanilla. Spoon over the
remainder of your cream and spread
evenly. Top with your final layer of
panettone and drizzle the remaining
brandy mixture. Cover tightly with cling
film and place in your fridge overnight.
When you are ready to serve, unmould
your cake and place on a serving plate or
cake stand. Spread over your reserved
cream mixture. Then finally, scatter the
remaining chocolate chips and pistachios
all over the cake, along with the
pomegranate seeds.
This cake is rich, but still quite light.
It will last a couple of days in the fridge,
but we rarely get any leftovers! Happy
Christmas.
Karen’s Cake Corner
by Karen Hill
Ginny’s Community Corner
by Ginny Gibson of Uttoxeter
T
his month I thought I would revisit a
previously featured group, just because they
hold a special place in my heart and at this
time of year, everyone is remembering people and
things that are close to them. Mum Art Makers
(M.A.M) is a unique group in Staffordshire,
because each week a group of Mums young and
old get together to be taught a new craft in the
knowledge that their child is being looked after in
the room next door by qualified child minders. For
2 hours the ladies have the chance to chat to adults,
laugh and exchange ideas on how to create the
latest project.
This group meets at Great Wood Hall,
Hollington Road, Upper Tean, Stoke On Trent,
Staffordshire, ST10 4JY every Thursday between
9.30am – 11.30am (term times only).
A couple of weeks ago, the tutor taught
everyone how to make a rag wreath, for Christmas,
and because everyone enjoyed it so much and there
was so much chat, not many people were finished
in the time slot, so it was extended for a second
week, to get the wreaths finished, which is how the
relaxed atmosphere operates and why it attracts so
many women to come along.
The group was originally founded by Lucy
Eames, who realised that there was no real outlet
for mums, to have a break from their children,
without a potentially huge cost of child care. She
realised that by encouraging women to come
together each week to do something new and
creative, then the mums would be able to develop
new skills and feel part of the world again, while
valuing their own individual unique qualities.
Lucy Eames has sadly passed away, but that
small group she started has now turned into a large
group and the ideology lives on today. The classes
cost £5 per week, with a nominal charge for the
crèche at £2 per child for the two hour session.
Women arrive for the first time looking nervous
and slightly out of place, I know I did, but after a
few weeks, they find a sense of belonging through
shared laughter and ideas about the various craft
workshops and suddenly the isolation, of either
being a stay at home mum or new to the area or
someone that works from home, goes away.
Recently the group has created willow dragon
flies, robot pictures using cloth and sewing, wire
jewellery making, pastel drawing, and paper
folding and last week they took on their first
Community Project, where everyone got together
and made changing mats for disabled children.
Some women were cutting the material, while
others were sewing, others were making binding
and sensory items to attach and the end results will
be donated to disabled children who are linked to
the group.
Do you have to be good at crafts before you
come along? No, is the answer, the tutors are so
detailed in their instructions that all you need is
some enthusiasm and you will leave each session
with a great creation. Plus everyone helps each
other, so if you can’t use a sewing machine,
someone will jump in and show you how.
If you want to join this very informal group
then please contact Mandi on 07506578056 or
search for their Facebook page, MAM-Mum Art
Makers.
Or visit the website, (which is in the process of
being updated), www.mumartmakers.com to find
out more.
I will end this article with a testimonial that is
on their website, it says everything you need to
know about the group and how it could benefit
both you and your child.
“Before going to M.A.M I didn’t have the
confidence to try out new crafts and skills, I have
gained so much confidence and now have a much
more of a ‘have a go’ attitude, plus new friendships
and the opportunity to leave my son in a crèche
environment without having to commit to a
nursery. We are both benefiting from it.”

Take a drive out to one of the area’s most beautiful
‘olde worlde’ country inns and restaurants -
and savour a truly delicious experience!
Enjoy wonderful views overlooking Croxden Abbey
and the surrounding countryside.
Open every day, 12-10pm
Pensioners Specials - Monday to Saturday 12-2pm
Main Meal £4.50, 3 Courses £8.00
Sunday Lunches served all day - take your pick
from Beef,Turkey, Lamb or Chicken
Traditional Cask Ales - Marstons Pedigree,
Reverend James, Hobgoblin and Lancaster Bomber.
Heated smoking area
Accommodation in superb Log Cabins available,
B&B and Self Catering.
See website for further details.
Quarry Bank, Hollington, near Alton Towers
Telephone: 01889 507278
www.logcabin.co.uk
Enjoy a great meal atThe Raddle -
The Perfect Country Inn & Restaurant
Book now
for Christmas!Christmas Fayre Menu available throughout
November and December
(Exc. Christmas Day & Boxing Day).
Entertainment licence until 2.00am.
Book a table now to celebrate the festivities
at The Raddle Inn.
Tables are decorated to add to the party atmosphere and we
also offer a minibus service to parties of 8 or more.
Christmas Fayre Menu
4 Courses:Adults £20.95, Childs £11.95
3 Courses:Adults £16.95, Childs £9.95
(Children Under 10 years of age)
3 Course Menu includes either:
Starter, Main and Coffee & Mince Pies
or Main, Dessert and Coffee & Mince Pies
(Pensioners Christmas Fayre - £12.95,
4 courses served Mon-Sat 12-2pm throughout Nov-Dec)
Call The Raddle now to reserve a
table on 01889 507 278
Visit our website www.logcabin.co.uk or
email peter@logcabin.co.uk
C O N S T R U C T I O N S
Serving the community since 1976
MJ Barrett Constructions,Brookside Business Park,Brookside Road,
Uttoxeter,Staffordshire,ST14 8AT
www.mjbarrettconstructions.co.uk
Tel:01889 564 253 • Fax:01889 564 210
F
M J Barrett Constructions supply and erect all types of
agricultural and industrial buildings,including grain stores,
equestrian centres,storage buildings,milking parlours,and
cattle housing along with a variety of industrial warehousing,
office accommodation,retail outlets and entertainment
complexes all built to the highest standards.

Uttoxeter Fireworks & Bonfire a great success
Don't miss Cracker Night on December 14th!
By Steve Shields
U
ttoxeter was the place to be for another very
successful traditional bonfire and fireworks
night confirmed with people travelling to the
Leisure Centre from miles around.
Although it was a little damp at dawn when a
small army of Lions and volunteers started to build
the bonfire and set out the field, conditions later
were perfect. Huge crowds were in place to see the
evening kick off with a five minute fireworks display
without any loud bangs aimed at young children.
Immediately following was the lighting of the
bonfire with local children, Paighton Adams, Belle
and Nancy Newton very excited to be assisting Lion
Dave Allen in the task. The guys had been made by
children from the Picknalls First School.
Then DJ Matt Goodwin built up the excitement
with the countdown to the main event and the
fireworks display was spectacular. The tremendous
colours and the height and coverage in the night sky
were truly amazing. There were several quieter
moments when the accompanying music could be
heard before building again and eventually there
was the breathtaking finale.
Lion President Terry Adams said “We are very
grateful to the people of Uttoxeter and surrounding
villages for again giving the event tremendous
support. I think everyone was pleased with the show
and we have received some very complimentary
comments. Despite rising costs it looks as though the
surplus will be similar to last year thanks to the
bigger crowd.”
Uttoxeter Lions give their thanks to JCB for the
mechanical handler, Tippers and all the shops who
sold tickets.
The Lions now turn their attention to Cracker
Night onThursday 14th December. A full fun packed
evening is again promised with things officially
kicking off at 6.00pm.
The town centre will be closed to traffic from 12
noon to allow Warwick’s Funfair to set up their
variety of exciting rides and all the stalls to be
erected. Charity and craft stall-holders will be busy
in the afternoon setting out their wares and prizes
ready for the crowds to arrive.
There will be plenty of entertainment
throughout the town including a magician and
clown act and fancy dress characters. Music will be
provided by the Heath Chorus, UttoxeterTown Band
and MY Theatre with Matt Goodwin’s Disco show
keeping the young and young at heart engaged near
the Town Hall. There will be some static displays
including the Air Ambulance Helicopter.
In theTown Hall there will be a special grotto and
Santa Claus is expected to visit. A free photograph
facility will be available this year.
Cracker Night provides a unique opportunity for
local organisations and charities to have stalls and
raise much needed funds.
Lions’ Steve Shields said “I have been involved
with Cracker for about 20 years now and although
there are weeks of planning for the event I never fail
to get motivated when I feel the buzz and energy on
the night. Cracker brings in lots of people into the
town and it’s great to see so many smiling faces and
hear the screams of pleasure from the fairground
rides. We’re looking forward to another great night.”

Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice Issue 78

Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice Issue 78

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Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice Issue 78